Billie Eilish vinyls and retro DVDs: Turn your New Year’s clear out into £391, as Gen-Z spearhead the physical media revival

• CD sales are up as younger generations search for physical media.

• Amidst New Year’s decluttering, Brits are advised on trending physical media types which may hold more value than you think.

• Updraft explains how selling old physical media products could make up to £319.97.

As many Brits look for new ways to earn extra cash in 2026, an unexpected Gen-Z trend offers an opportunity: physical media.

Reports indicate that CD sales are on the rise. This is driven by Gen-Z’s renewed love of physical media, as they move away from their digital upbringing to embrace the 2000s aesthetic.

The 2026 Physical Media Resurgence

Many UK households are currently undertaking a New Year’s clear out. Consequently, Updraft has revealed which physical media types are growing in interest and could be worth selling.”

Aseem Munshi, Our founder at Updraft, explains how people can take advantage of the physical media revival and highlights specific profitable models and editions to look out for.

Special edition books (Twilight Saga Deluxe)
Google Search Insights: +36% in the past year

“Furthermore, Special edition books are proving to be more profitable than ever. Creators frequently share their limited-edition collections on ‘BookTok’, showcasing unique covers, signed author copies, or exclusive added artwork. From classic novels to signed editions of the latest best-sellers, collectors are willing to pay big for special editions.”

“One to look out for in your clear out is the fan-favourite, Twilight Saga Deluxe collection, which could generate up to £125[1].”

Gaming consoles (Sony PlayStation 1)
Google Search Insights: +21% in the past year

“Vintage or limited-edition gaming consoles are no longer just for nostalgia – they’re now a must-have item in the collectors’ market. Consoles like the Nintendo DS, Super Nintendo and PlayStation (PS1) can fetch impressive prices, often bringing in significantly more than their retail price.”

“Specifically, the original Sony PlayStation can bring in up to £70[2]. If you have any retro gaming consoles lying around, they could be worth more money than you think.”

Vinyls (Billie Eilish’s Hit Me Hard and Soft Anniversary Edition Vinyl)
Google Search Insights: +20% in the past year

“In addition, vinyl records have experienced a massive comeback in recent years. Special edition vinyl records, especially those with coloured disks, limited quantities, or exclusive content, can be sold at higher prices, releasing exclusive editions to meet demand.”

“For example, Billie Eilish’s Hit Me Hard and Soft Anniversary Edition Vinyl is selling for £35.99[3] but is currently sold out. So, if you’ve got a collection of vinyl records, there’s a high chance that they’ve gained significant value and may even be a collectors dream, helping you make a profit.”

Cassette tapes (exclusives)
Google Search Insights: +18% in the past year

“Once overshadowed by CDs and digital downloads, there is a growing market for cassette tapes among collectors, especially for rare or first-edition tapes from the ’80s and ’90s.”

“Exclusive cassettes can bring in up to £12.99[4] per tape, meaning there’s potential for you to profit from this growing trend.”

CDs (The Rolling Stones Singles Collection)
Google Search Insights: +9% in the past year

“Similarly, CD sales are experiencing a resurgence, with Gen Z now buying more CDs than ever before. Limited-edition releases, deluxe box sets, and even discontinued albums are all gaining interest, and ones to look out for in your collection.”

“These sought-after CDs can generate impressive retail prices, with rare editions, such as The Rolling Stones Singles Collection selling for up to £73[5].”

DVDs (Friends boxset)
Google Search Insights: +5% in the past year

“While online streaming services remain one of the most popular ways to consume movies and TV shows, DVDs still hold impressive value – especially special editions. Many fans are eager to buy DVDs that feature exclusive content, high-definition quality, or unique packaging.”

“For example, the all-time classic Friends boxset can make you up to £74.99[6], making selling DVDs a great source of income.”

Aseem concludes:

“While nostalgia fuels the increasing success of physical media in a modern society, its true value is often overlooked. Whether it’s limited-edition vinyl records, DVDs with exclusive content, or author-signed books, these tangible forms of entertainment are profitable. There are plenty of opportunities to turn your old collectables into cash, potentially generating up to £391.97.”